An MSP who has been leading calls for a ban on tobacco advertising in Scotland said she will drop her bill if the UK Government fulfils a promise to introduce a ban.

Nicola Sturgeon welcomed a decision by ministers to support a ban - but stressed she would await clear signals that it would be implemented before withdrawing a member's bill currently before the Scottish Parliament.

UK Health Secretary Alan Milburn said the government would take Lord Clement-Jones' Tobacco Advertising and Promotion Bill through the Commons, vastly increasing its chance of becoming law.

Nicola Sturgeon will seek assurances

Ms Sturgeon said she was "delighted" by the announcement, which was also welcomed by Scottish Health Minister Malcolm Chisholm.

The SNP health spokeswoman said: "Obviously I'm delighted that the government finally appears to have moved to support a ban on tobacco advertising.

"They have been dragged into this position by the pressure my bill and the Scottish Parliament has put on them.

"I have always made it clear my preference is for a bill that would cover all of the UK."

Ms Sturgeon said she would seek more information on the government's timescale for implementation before deciding on her bill, which is currently before the health committee.